Rocky Horror Picture Show

I never 'did' Rocky Horror Picture Show. I recently saw it for the first time on video at a friend's house. I haven't lived in a cave all my life and I AM aware that people dress up as characters in the movie, dance, recite lines from the show and take props (toast and squirt guns) into the theaters. How such an activity evolved in the first place I could not guess (a hybrid Mystery Science Theater/musical/ with trans gendered themes?), but I am hoping my fellow Cyburbanites can clue me in as to what makes a good Rocky Horror experience from a poor one.....
Some questions:
How old were you when you first went?
How old were you when you last went?
Did you dress up in character?
How many times have you seen it?

Lastly, I'm curious if anyone in a country other than the US (except Canada - you're exempt... as the soon to be 51st state in the US) has ever heard or experienced the Rocky Horror phenomenon or even heard of anything like it where you're at?

People will miss that it once meant something to be Southern or Midwestern. It doesn't mean much now, except for the climate. The question, “Where are you from?” doesn't lead to anything odd or interesting. They live somewhere near a Gap store, and what else do you need to know? - Garrison Keillor

I never 'did' Rocky Horror Picture Show. I recently saw it for the first time on video at a friend's house. I haven't lived in a cave all my life and I AM aware that people dress up as characters in the movie, dance, recite lines from the show and take props (toast and squirt guns) into the theaters. How such an activity evolved in the first place I could not guess (a hybrid Mystery Science Theater/musical/ with trans gendered themes?), but I am hoping my fellow Cyburbanites can clue me in as to what makes a good Rocky Horror experience from a poor one.....
Some questions:
How old were you when you first went?
How old were you when you last went?
Did you dress up in character?
How many times have you seen it?

First went - 18 (in 1978)
Last went to the movies to see it - 21 (now own the video so can watch it whenever I want)
Did not dress as a character although many in the group I went with did. Did bring rice and other assorted props.
Too many to count - was showing just off campus at Bradley on Friday's at midnight for my entire four years of undergrad and when I need a good laugh I watch it. Amazing how many careers got started with this flick.

Good experience - must be a midnight showing after many . Must have a rowdy group with you with limited inhibitions. Theater (one of my degrees) and art majors a definite bonus as we have no inhibitions.

Planning is much like acting, as my old theater professor used to say, "If you sin, sin boldly, only you know if you are ad libbing." I follow this adage almost daily.

- Maybe 14 or 15
- Last went in college (2nd go around) in '89 or so
- Never dressed up, ALWAYS brought props (squirt gun, toast, toilet paper, rice, etc.)
- I've been a couple dozen times. We used to go down on South Street in Philly.

Oh, and you just have to learn the "Time Warp"...

RiffRaff:
It's astounding;
Time is fleeting;
Madness takes its toll.
But listen closely...

Magenta:
Not for very much longer.

RiffRaff:
I've got to keep control.
I remember doing the time-warp
Drinking those moments when
The Blackness would hit me

RiffRaff:
And the void would be calling...

Transylvanians:
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Narrator:
It's just a jump to the left.

All:
And then a step to the right.

Narrator:
With your hands on your hips.

All:
You bring your knees in tight.
But it's the pelvic thrust
That really drives you insane.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Magenta:
It's so dreamy, oh fantasy free me.
So you can't see me, no, not at all.
In another dimension, with voyeuristic intention,
Well secluded, I see all.

RiffRaff:
With a bit of a mind flip

Magenta:
You're into the time slip.

RiffRaff:
And nothing can ever be the same.

Magenta:
You're spaced out on sensation.

RiffRaff:
Like you're under sedation.

All:
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Columbia:
Well I was walking down the street just a-having a think
When a snake of a guy gave me an evil wink.
He shook-a me up, he took me by surprise.
He had a pickup truck, and the devil's eyes.
He stared at me and I felt a change.
Time meant nothing, never would again.

All:
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

Narrator:
It's just a jump to the left.

All:
And then a step to the right.

Narrator:
With your hands on your hips.

All:
You bring your knees in tight.
But it's the pelvic thrust
That really drives you insane.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
C'mon and get me you twist of fate
I'm standing right here Mr. Destiny
If you want to talk well then I'll relate
If you don't so what cause you don't scare me

How did you know what 'to do' the first time you saw it?
Also, I have heard that the show is 'done' a little differently depending on what city you see it in? Is this true? A friend of mine who was a real Rockyholic mentioned that Louisville, KY was THE place to see it. Somehow, I remain skeptical.

People will miss that it once meant something to be Southern or Midwestern. It doesn't mean much now, except for the climate. The question, “Where are you from?” doesn't lead to anything odd or interesting. They live somewhere near a Gap store, and what else do you need to know? - Garrison Keillor

Saw it first at 17 at a midnight showing. Didn't know anything about the dressing and props but loved to watch everyone else. Think I went on other time and enjoyed the props alot. Have watched it a few times on TV but definately not the same.

How did you know what 'to do' the first time you saw it?
Also, I have heard that the show is 'done' a little differently depending on what city you see it in? Is this true? A friend of mine who was a real Rockyholic mentioned that Louisville, KY was THE place to see it. Somehow, I remain skeptical.

You never go to the RHPS the first time alone. I went with friends, who instructed me to sit back and ejoy the collective chaos.

I've only seen the show in two locations: East Hartford, CT and northern NY during college days. Both experiences were similar, although the cinema near campus did try to prevent "props" from being brought in.

You must go once in your lifetime. I believe somewhere this is carved in stone as law.

All these years the people said he’s actin’ like a kid.
He did not know he could not fly, so he did.
- - Guy Clark, "The Cape"

Probably attended a dozen or so times. Dressed up, but never 'acted'... always brought props.

Most memorable time: Some Jewish friends and I decided to go during Passover. We were staying at my friend's house, so there was no bread to be had for throwing during the toast. So we took matzoh... wow... that stuff can really fly! We beamed some guy in the back of the head with some onion matzoh, and he wasn't too happy. He couldn't figure out who did it, since the theatre was packed, so we all got a good laugh out of it.

You must go once in your lifetime. I believe somewhere this is carved in stone as law.

Regrettably, I turn 40 next Friday and from the sounds of it the median age for ending this type of activity is mid 20's. if I went now I'd probably end up on a child molester list! That's why I'm asking you all what the experience was like.

People will miss that it once meant something to be Southern or Midwestern. It doesn't mean much now, except for the climate. The question, “Where are you from?” doesn't lead to anything odd or interesting. They live somewhere near a Gap store, and what else do you need to know? - Garrison Keillor

Regrettably, I turn 40 next Friday and from the sounds of it the median age for ending this type of activity is mid 20's. if I went now I'd probably end up on a child molester list! That's why I'm asking you all what the experience was like.

The experience cannot be easily explained, as it depends on venue and the crowd.

[Yoda]
Go, you must.
Age not matter.
Imagination and humor matter.
[/Yoda]

All these years the people said he’s actin’ like a kid.
He did not know he could not fly, so he did.
- - Guy Clark, "The Cape"

Regrettably, I turn 40 next Friday and from the sounds of it the median age for ending this type of activity is mid 20's. if I went now I'd probably end up on a child molester list! That's why I'm asking you all what the experience was like.

GOTTA GO, my wife has never been for the full experience and if it ever shows up out here at the theaters again it is on our must do list! Even when my current 6 year old is old enough I will take him!

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN AND ENJOY!

CURRENT AGE 44

Planning is much like acting, as my old theater professor used to say, "If you sin, sin boldly, only you know if you are ad libbing." I follow this adage almost daily.

1st time - undergrad sometime between 77-80
Can you believe it was even shown that early in Utah
last time - on cable tv sometime between when I was in my late 30's -early 40's
# 3 - no, just a spectator to the spectacle of it all.
#4 - a couple.

Last edited by JNA; 17 Aug 2004 at 4:00 PM.

Oddball
Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves?
Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here?
Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?
From Kelly's Heroes (1970)

Are you sure you're not hurt ?
No. Just some parts wake up faster than others.
Broke parts take a little longer, though.
From Electric Horseman (1979)

Some questions:
How old were you when you first went?
How old were you when you last went?
Did you dress up in character?
How many times have you seen it?

I was 18, a frosh in college when I first saw it.
I last saw it about a year ago...I own the DVD and it tells you how to "play along."
Never dressed up.
I've seen it start to finish only once.

In high school, we had this old theater called The Madison...an old one-screen theater that would "do" the RHPS thing every Halloween. The Madison is now chopped into 6 or 8 screens and is closed down becaue who wants to watch movies in a closet?

Information necessitating a change of design will be conveyed to the designer after and only after the design is complete. (Often called the 'Now They Tell Us' Law) - Fyfe's First Law of Revision

We don't believe in planners and deciders making the decisions on behalf of Americans. -- George W. Bush , Scranton, PA -- 09/06/2000

I've never experienced the pagentry of the movie in the theater, but I've seen it a couple of times on cable television. I enjoy the movie, but I'm not a rabid fan like some. I think that it's a good movie. I'll persuade Planderella to see it. :-}

Alright alright already! You guys have badgered me into going. I always liked Pee Wee Herman anyways...oh darn, it's not playing at any theatres locally. 8-|

People will miss that it once meant something to be Southern or Midwestern. It doesn't mean much now, except for the climate. The question, “Where are you from?” doesn't lead to anything odd or interesting. They live somewhere near a Gap store, and what else do you need to know? - Garrison Keillor

Magenta

I was 30 when I first and last saw RHPS. We were on our way to our new home in Maine after having just been married (1979). Saw it in downtown Boston. We didn't dress up but a lot of "different" people did. They knew all the lines and comebacks. We couldn't figure out why the seats under the balcony were empty. We found out when the squirt guns and toast came out. I wouldn't mind going again if I could ever attain that higher level of conciousness.

I wouldn't mind going again if I could ever attain that higher level of conciousness.

I'm sure seeing it while tripping would probably cast a whole new perspective on the experience...hmmmm. :5

People will miss that it once meant something to be Southern or Midwestern. It doesn't mean much now, except for the climate. The question, “Where are you from?” doesn't lead to anything odd or interesting. They live somewhere near a Gap store, and what else do you need to know? - Garrison Keillor

I've never been to RHPS, but would love to go. My brother, in LA, goes to MANY sing a longs - most recently Moulin Rouge, where everyone dresses up and sings along. We have a Sound of Music and Wizard of Oz sing along somewhere in the Berkshires that is inevitably on a Tuesday night when I have planning board.

magenta

I'm sure seeing it while tripping would probably cast a whole new perspective on the experience...hmmmm. :5

NOT at THAT level of conciousness. Anyone who does that might walk out a lamp shade.

Originally posted by Downtown

I've never been to RHPS, but would love to go. My brother, in LA, goes to MANY sing a longs - most recently Moulin Rouge, where everyone dresses up and sings along. We have a Sound of Music and Wizard of Oz sing along somewhere in the Berkshires that is inevitably on a Tuesday night when I have planning board.

I want to watch The Wizard of OZ while lstening to the Dark Side of the Moon. Really groovy.

I want to watch The Wizard of OZ while lstening to the Dark Side of the Moon. Really groovy.

Ahhhh, Dark Side of the Rainbow. Make sure you wait till the third roar of the MGM lion before hitting the start button. Amazing all the 'coincidences' one can find..

People will miss that it once meant something to be Southern or Midwestern. It doesn't mean much now, except for the climate. The question, “Where are you from?” doesn't lead to anything odd or interesting. They live somewhere near a Gap store, and what else do you need to know? - Garrison Keillor

-----------------------------------------------------------------
C'mon and get me you twist of fate
I'm standing right here Mr. Destiny
If you want to talk well then I'll relate
If you don't so what cause you don't scare me